Llangollen Canal walk

A welcome awaits in the valleys when you step out on this gentle six mile walk along the Llangollen Canal, thanks to The Outdoor Guide.

Pontcysyllte wide for places to visit

“I am thrilled that The Outdoor Guide and Canal & River Trust are working together to inspire people to head out for walks along our beautiful waterways. The outdoors should be available to all.”
Julia Bradbury

A head for heights is a must because the high spot of this walk – literally – is the stunning Pontcytslite Aqueduct, 200 years old, with its 18 piers rising to a height of 126-feet and its 19 arches each with a 45 foot span.The UK’s highest navigable aqueduct, it’s a World Heritage site and among Thomas Telford’s greatest legacies.

The route

The walk starts at Horseshoe Falls, a Telford designed weir, which feeds water into the canal from the River Dee, and ends at the picture postcard town of Llangollen.

Must sees include the pump-house between the river and canal – still operational today – and Pentre Fellin, once an important slate mining operation whose buildings now house a motor museum. The beautiful landscape makes it hard to imagine the days when coal and limestone travelled up and down the canal by barge.

Just over two miles and the towpath heads along the edge of Llangollen. The town the fades into the distance as you head through shady trees. Bridge number 43 is next en route and just after bridge number 42 you get a feel of the distance you have travelled.

The next big view comes from bridge number 34. The final stretch of the walk is across the aqueduct, you need a head for heights on this walk. It really does deserve admiration!